The Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) is an organization with a mission of serving the public through promotion, innovation, and advancement of quality education in fields including technology and engineering. ABET’s strategic plans include accreditation of educational programs and provides assurance that a program meets the quality standards in the profession for which the program prepares graduates to enter a global workforce (www.abet.org). At UC San Diego, Bioengineering, Bioengineering:Biotechnology, and Bioengineering:BioSystems have a relatively heavy emphasis on engineering, whereas Bioengineering:Bioinformatics has a relatively heavy emphasis on basic sciences. The Bioengineering and Bioengineering: Biotechnology programs are accredited by EAC/ABET. The Bioengineering:BioSystems program is currently under review for ABET accreditation. The Bioengineering: Bioinformatics program is currently not accredited by a Commission of EAC/ABET.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is the regional organization providing umbrella accreditation for UC San Diego through its Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities. UC San Diego has been accredited by WASC since 1964.

Mission Statement

To educate our students to become tomorrow’s technology leaders, conduct leading-edge research and drive innovation, and transfer discoveries for the benefit of society. Furthermore, the Department of Bioengineering’s mission is to provide our students with an excellent education that enables successful, innovative, and lifelong careers in bioengineering industries and professions.

Educational Objectives

To provide our students with a modern bioengineering education that consists of:

1. depth, breadth, and creativity in the central areas of bioengineering,its underlying sciences and related technologies;

2. effective skills that facilitate bioengineering practice, communication in multi-disciplinary teams, continued professional advancement, and adaptation to rapid technological change that will enable them to become technology leaders and innovators;

3. the ability to deal knowledgeably and ethically with the impact of technology in our society, including professional and social responsibilities on health-related issues.

These Educational Objectives were established based on feedback from constituencies of the UCSD Department of Bioengineering, current students, alumni, and industry partners.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bioengineering Program, graduates in Bioengineering; Bioengineering: Biotechnology; Bioengineering: BioSystems; and Bioengineering: Bioinformatics are expected to have the desired knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors as indicated below.

An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to medical problems.

An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as being able to analyze and interpret data.

An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints of economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability considerations.

An ability to function and lead in multi-disciplinary teams.

An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.

An understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities.

An ability to communicate effectively with written, oral, and visual means.

The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context.

A recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning.

A knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues.

An ability to use modern engineering techniques, skills, and computing tools necessary for engineering practice.

An ability to apply leadership skills.

As indicated above, the UC San Diego Department of Bioengineering has an educational mission and targeted outcomes for its undergraduate major programs. Four undergraduate majors are available to current students, entering students, freshmen, and transfer students applying to enter in fall 2017: